A Wasted Beckett Effort: Peter

Well, Jenn, we're getting closer to running out of time. Tonight it was the O's, the AL's worst team, who did the deed. JB pitched a respectable seven innings, allowing just two earned runs while striking out five. He gave up just a lone free pass, and his WHIP for the game was microscopically over 1.0. Unfortunately, an error allowed a third run, and though Lowrie tried to get the Hose back into the game with a two run shot, Dubront gave up a pair of solo shots to the cheap seats. Add those to no timely Sox hitting and you've got a recipe for a loss--which is what the Sox ended up with.

Since the Rays lost tonight, we're still seven back of the wild card. However, Mr. Hankie's Yankees won, so our heroes are now a full eight games behind the division lead--with just thirty to play. The fact that the Sox have done a remarkable job given the battlefield-like casualty list all season long doesn't make it hurt any less.
I was thinking about a conversation you and I had after game three of the 2004 ALCS when the Stripes had us down three zip. Your comment then was, "I guess it's over." You sounded so down, to call you glum would be an understatement. My response was that I recalled the rules said you had to win four games before you won the ALCS, and that while, yes, we certainly were deep in the doo-doo (Actually I used a stronger word, but, hey, this is a family show), it wasn't over yet. As everyone knows, the turnaround began immediately with that day's game, ran through an eight game win streak that concluded with a World Series championship. Listen my children and you shall hear of the midnight rush of Red Sox cheer. Everyone still sitting here will remember that fall of that we all revere. Oops, excuse me--apologies to Longfellow. Anyway, conversation aside, I'm getting to the point where I'm about to admit this year isn't our year--not because of a lack of talent or desire. This team has, considering what's been constantly happening to them, put on a display that they should be more than proud of.It's just that when the heart of your club is unable to take the field because of a med student's list of injuries, it's hard to use your talent to its intended end. I truly believe that without most of the injuries, the Sox would right now be in the thick of the fight, if not in an outright lead. Somewhere out there in the mists, Teddy Ballgame is nodding agreement. I know there's still enough time, but unless the injuries stop and the players get back in long enough to have an effect....

These Are the Ones That Really Hurt!: Peter

Well, Jenn, between the ribs and Mom's fruit salad, you saw it with me. There we were, Sox up one zip into the 7th and Bucky throws over to first, past Lowell and by the time Pena (pride of Haverhill, MA) stops running, it's a two base error. A sacfly foul that JD made a great catch on and it's tied. Not to worry, we figured. I'm repeating as Martinez comes to bat in the 8th, "Let's hope he remembers yesterday"--and he does!Here's the pitch--it's a fast ball, letter high out over the middle of the plate and Martinez swings--and a second later it's ten rows deep in the right center seats--TWO ONE, SOX! Unfortunately, in the Rays' half of the inning, Bucky makes one more mistake and Upton takes him deep--two all. In spite of all of this, Bucky gets an ND and does pretty well, lowering his ERA to 2.21, still by far the AL best. That's the way it stays until the bottom of the 10th. The Rays' DH comes up; some guy both of us and God knows how many others as well have never heard of, Johnson.His season BA is .149 and his slugging (a misnomer in his case, you would think) average is an equally anemic .298. He has only one HR for the whole season, for Christ's sake. Atch throws the ball--and the game is over! Bang! Home run! Now he has two for the year! By the way, those averages are AFTER the HR. He was marginally worse before that swing!
Now, Jenn, I know you keep faulting the Sox for leaving starters in too long, but today's players are better conditioned than those of my youth and before, and those guys routinely had 15 or 20 COMPLETE games every year, win or lose! Some of those were for extra innings too! This pitch count stuff is bull! But with the salaries the teams have invested, they're afraid to let the pitchers go as long as their bodies will permit. The result--self fulfilling prophecies--and few of them good!
If all of this weren't bad enough, my old "if all of both teams' men on base had scored, the Sox walk away 10-7 winners. They out hit the Rays, they just didn't do it in as timely a fashion. Well, tomorrow is another chance to leave Tampa "just" 4.5behind with 31 games left. It's still possible, but those games are getting fewer and fewer.

The REAL Lester!: Peter

Well, Jenn, like I told you last evening over the remnants of dinner,tonight Lester looked like the guy we've gotten used to seeing on the mound. He completely left last weeks' abortion against the Jays in the trash where it belongs. Against the Rays last night, he went seven strong innings, allowing just a pair of harmless singles while striking out ten. True, he did allow five freebies and hurled three wild ones--THREE!, but even then, he quickly recovered and pitched. I don't think you or anyone following this blog needs me to again explain what I mean by 'pitching', so I'll leave enough said.
After he left, Bard did a quick inning of shutout ball, followed by The Laser who, following in his recent renaissance, struck out the side. While he did allow two walks, he quickly neutralized both.Got his 33d save in the process.
Offensively, Martinez handled most of the lifting with a pair of solo shots to the cheaps. Papi also doubled and scored the other run on a Lowrie hit.
And we move closer to the Rays and Mr. Hankie's Yankees.

Doubleheader--Good & Bad: Peter

Well, because of yesterday's rainout, we got a day-nite 2blheader today with the M's. First game had JB starting and for 6 13 innings he was the JB we've come to expect in the best times. Only allowing a leadoff single by Ichiro at the start, he was unhittable while the Hose were building a four zip lead,. Then, one out into the 7th, suddenly he was Joe Anybody. Throw a ball, watch it sail--out of the yard in two cases and now it's 4-3 and time for a shower.Bard came in and shut down everyone through the end of the 8th while the Hose added a run, and then The Laser came on and slammed the door. Perfect 9th-his 32d save, but much more important, more evidence to the idea I wrote about here a day or two ago--the 'old' and best model Pap is back. He admits he's regained confidence in his splitter and feels very comfortable using it at random to keep the hitters totally off balance. Today's appearance was his fifth since blowing a save and losing to Toronto a couple of weeks ago. It also marked the fifth straight he's had without a run, during which streak he's allowed a total of one hit--just a single single. Basically, he appears back to the Pap of '07/'08--nearly unhittable. If we can get a reasonable healthy team on the field with some consistency, the timing of his return could be perfect!

Now, the nitecap--Sox faced a young kid who's looking good and likely to get better. Felix Hernandez, though only 10-10 has a 2.47 ERA, second in the AL to our own Bucky. He went seven, picked up nine K's against a single walk, and allowed only four hits. That kind of pitching will end anyone's winning streak and so it was for the Hose tonight. Wake, called in to pitch on short notice, did a creditable job,but against the stuff Hernandez was tossing, 'creditable' isn't going to cut it--not now, not never, and that's NOT a slap at Wake. It's just a fact of life no matter who's on the losing end in a case like this. Wake was starting as Lester, the scheduled guy, was pushed back to open this weekend's series against the Rays in Tampa, after he was pushed there due to the scheduled starter for that game, Dice, came down with a sore lower back. That series can be the final make or break for the Sox for this year. Sweep (and they almost have to) and they're just 2 1/2 behind and poised to really challenge for the post season. Don't and....well, not worth stating the obvious.

He's Not Coming!: Peter

Well, it's official--Damon's staying right where he is--in Motown. He exercised his contractual right to stay. By the way, in case any similar rumors pop up, Manny's also NOT coming to the Hub.

Scoot & Lack: Not Lacking Tonite:Peter

You know, Jenn, if we could get some consistency as well as some health, we just might see the Hose back in the post-season this year. Tonight was a great example of consistency from some key Sox pickups for the year. Scutaro, moving to leadoff in Jake's absence, got another pair of timely hits tonight, bringing in four of the Sox six runs. With that support, Lack took the ball, went eight innings and allowed just a pair of earned runs (three in all) while striking out ten M's batters. He only gave away a couple of freebies as well, so his game WHIP was a cool 1.00. It's his best performance since his near no-no on July 22. Now, if we could have this kind of performance more often than monthly....
After he'd gone eight, Lack was replaced by the newly rejuvenated (see yesterday's post) Laser. Pap came on, gave up a weak single and then retired the next three hitters, nailing down a couple of K's on the way. All this in a mere twelve pitches, again with many in the over 95 range on the gun. This renewal on his part is the third consecutive renaissance of the "original" Pap. Love to see it and look forward to having it continue.
Of the balance of the lineup, both JD and Beltre also had a pair of hits apiece. Overall, the two teams had 17 hits combined--all if them singles. I don't think that's any kind of record, but it's sort of impressive in some kind of offbeat way. Blame it on the wind blowing in from center for a change.

Is the Damon Demon Back?: Peter

Yes, folks that heading is correct! Sox grabbed Johnny Damon off the waiver line today. He has, due to his contract, 48 hours to OK a deal with the Hose. Most Sox players commenting were very happy with the prospect and Damon himself said going back to the Hub would repair the scars left from his departure. We'll see.

Bucky & The Bats: Peter

I'll tell ya', Jenn, for awhile, I was beginning to think this game would never get played. First, a rain delay before starting of well over an hour and a half, then another of about an hour in the top of the 3d, and things were looking as if we'd drop, at least temporarily, another half game behind both NY and the Rays, both of whom were well on the way to wins. But, the sun more or less came out and the game continued to its finale. And Bucky was looking pretty good for his six innings. He had a couple of rough stints, but pitched himself out of trouble in each occasion. You've heard me say many times that when the opposing team has guys on base and things are looking dangerous is when you separate throwers from real pitchers. Bucky once again proved himself to be the latter. In the 1st, he found himself facing Jays on first and third with just one out, but successfully pitched himself clear. Then, again in the 6th, he was in a jam and, once again, worked his way out without allowing a run. After he left, the Sox pen, first Bard, then Doubront, kept the Jays scoreless and preserved Bucky's 15th 'W' of the year. He's still on track for a shot at twenty. You can definitely tell, Jenn, this is the guy whose potential first showed up in his rookie year with the No-No. Now at 15-5, he has the lowest ERA of any AL starter at 2.26, a full 0.10 lower than at first pitch. Getting there he picked up seven K's and scattered five hits, all harmless singles. In going shutout again, he extended his current string of innings without any earned runs to 23 2/3, and, even better, gave up three or fewer runs for the 15th of his last 16 starts! Not too shabby! And, Jenn, since I'm on a statistical roll, this is the third consecutive game he's allowed five hits or less! I think you'll agree that's pretty damn good for the third or fourth starter on the staff.
Beyond Bucky, the Sox bats came alive in two innings--the 5th and the 8th. In the former, the power was evident as Papi tripled (can you picture him chugging his 230+ pounds around to third?), and then on the next pitch was plated by Beltre's 37th double of the year. Three batters later and it was Hall's turn to bring in the runs and he did so with his 17th HR of the year, scoring Beltre ahead of him. In the 8th the Hose finished the scoring as one of the exciting Sox rooks, Kalish, doubled and was brought in by V-Mart. Papi then brought Scoot home for the final Sox run with a hard single.
Can you imagine how the final six weeks of the season might go if we only had the whole team back (OK, Youk is gone for the year, but otherwise) to play. Dust and Jake alone could make a difference, so there it depends if they can get healed enough to stay in for the duration. Otherwise, 2011 is looking closer and closer.

One Swing of the Bat!: Peter

Jenn, I could write about quite a few things on last nite's game with the Jays, but I'm limiting myself mainly to two. I'll briefly mention others, but this piece will center on the ending of the game and the recent apparent return to past levels of quality of Papelbon.
First, the end of the game. After a game in which our heroes had built a 4-1 lead early on, only to have Lyle Overbay, he of the seven ribbies the night before, tie it on one swing of the bat, we drifted agonizingly into extra innings. Nothing seemed to work at ending the game with a 'W'. Finally, in the 11th, Jed Lowrie came to the plate to lead off the inning. As with Overbay's tying shot for the Jays earlier, he took one swing of the bat and it was walkoff time--Sox bullpen, game over! This guy typifies the Sox injury/DL issues of the year. Tabbed over a year ago as the Sox shortstop of the future, he'd been on the DL incessantly for most of last season and this, only recently coming off the list long enough to play. The only reason he's been playing regularly, lots of talent aside, is that the SS the Sox picked up in his absence, Scutaro, has been doing an excellent job, and second base is held by the Dustman--until he broke his foot. So Lowrie played 2d, and, yesterday, for just the third time in his career, first base as a late inning replacement. Showing his inexperience there, he had a shot at an inning ending catch of a foul pop in the top of the 11th, overran it and then dropped it--E3. This required Pap to labor a couple of pitches longer, but more on that later. After the inning ended on a Laser K, who came to the plate? Lowrie! He wasted no time on making amends--and ending the game. One swing of the bat--bullpen--GAME OVER!(I think I said that somewhere previously, but it was dramatic enough to warrant a repeat here).
Now, Papelbon. This year, The Laser has been somewhat less than his prior years, although it is very hard to quarrel with thirty saves and counting at any time. Nevertheless, Pap's had more Blown Saves than in any prior year, and just hasn't always seemed to have his legendary command. This has led to a few stories or rumors (hopefully that's all they are) that the Sox may deal him shortly. Well, as Remdog correctly pointed out early in last evening's appearance by the closer, in recent outings, he seems to have upped his velocity and command noticeably with very positive results. A few games ago, against the Halos, it was three up, three down--all K's for Pap. Last night, it was three up and down as well, with a K for the finis, and most of the fire showing 97 or more on the gun. If he really has rediscovered his awesome power and command, it's a great omen for the balance of the year and beyond. All I can say is, "Welcome back!"
Other briefly notable items from the game were both V-Mart's and Scoot's three hits apiece and Bard's usual strong effort for the team in relief.

Ugly Doesn't Begin to Cover It!: Peter

Oy, Jenn! Last night vs the Halos was bad enough, but, after winning nine straight, it was bearable. Tonight--Yeeechhh! Lester starts, so we've likely got an excellent shot right? Not tonight! He lasts just two plus innings, has a game WHIP of over FIVE at departure and is behind nine zip when he takes a shower with no-one gone in the 3d. At game time he's in third in the AL in K's and just adds one on the evening.All this in 51 pitches in so short a time. Four relievers follow in order and all give up runs to the Jays, only the last, Wake, avoiding having any earned runs charged to him.
Sox offense? Well, you could say the way they played tonight was offensive, but only to people who enjoy seeing good baseball played. And just to make matters worse, the Dustman went back on the DL. Seems his foot that's healed really isn't. I don't even want to have a nightmare about where we'd be without Beltre & Papi this year.
Fortunately, Mr. Hankie's Yankees lost and Oakland has tied the Rays in the bottom of the 8th and has men on first and third. So more hope there.
Boy did the Sox game stink tonight--worse than one of Aidan's diapers!

Lackey Veats Old Team--Again: Peter

Don't know if you saw the Tivo of tonight's game yet Jenn, but once again the Sox major off season pitching acquisition beat his former team. Wasn't easy, but he got it done. He allowed five runs along the way in seven innings, but didn't walk anyone and at least hung in there until the Sox offense could get the lead. After that was taken care of, he gave way first to Bard who pitched an inning of hitless ball, followed by The Laser. Tonight Pap looked like the Papelbon of prior years. He faced three batters, threw only a total of 14 pitches and struck out the side--bing, Bang, BOOM! Game over! It was his thirtieth save of the year, and, while thirty saves is nothing at all to sneeze at, the fact that he's blown more saves this year than in any prior year in his MLB career has been of concern. So it's definitely encouraging to see a performance like tonight's.
Offensively, Sox had half of their dozen hits go for extra bases, including Beltre's 23d and Hall's 16th. It's looking more and more as if the team will have at least four 20HR players this year. Also of note: the Dustman got a solid hit and stole a base, as if to say to everyone, "I'm back and don't you think otherwise!"
AS the Rays and Yankees also won their games tonight, the standings remain unchanged.

Great Return Home: Peter

Jenn: I've always said one of the best things about taking a trip is coming home. Worked out that way tonight for the Sox. Not only did our team shut out the Halos, six zip, the game also marked the return to the lineup of the Dustman. True, he was o-4, but is presence in the lineup just always seems to add a spark. The team picked up their six runs quickly between the 3d through the 5th innings, the big blow coming on Kalish's first career Grand Slam in the 4th. Other offensive stars were McDonald, who also homered and Papi, who got a pair of hits, including his 25th double, followed by V-Mart's 26th to plate him.
Defensively, Bucky scattered five hits over seven, while simultaneously lowering his ERA to 2.36 and getting his 14th win. Not to shabby, not at all! So we remain 5.5 behind the Rays and Mr. Hankie's Yankees, who both also won.

What A Diff; Take 2: Peter

This difference being the wrong way! Dice was on the mound and actually pitched reasonably well, but he gave up just enough, combined with minimal Sox offense, to allow the Rangers to take the rubber game of the series. The Sox only had six hits, three of which were for extra bases, but without many runners at the time. Result when that happens is usually a loss, and that's what happened today in 103 degree Texas summer heat.
The Diceman did have a notable accomplishment. He became the second fastest Sox pitcher since 1920 to 500 K's in a career. Only one faster was Roger Clemens. Dice got his in his 91st Sox game, while The Rocket hit the mark in his 79th. In fact, since 1995 only two pitchers have gotten there quicker in MLB. Congrats, Dice!

What A Difference A Day Makes: Peter

Well, Jenn, last nite I just couldn't bring myself to relive the horrors of the team's late inning meltdown, followed by Wake's single pitch loss. Pap didn't blow a save; did an inning of hitless ball, but after having led 8-2, the team fell apart and we lost.
Tonight was an entirely different story! The Sox combined some excellent pitching, timely hitting and a fabulous throw out of an attempted steal at the penultimate moment to win. Jenn, you'd have loved it. Saw it in its entirety on MLB Network, which was carrying NESN's feed. So it was like home, with Remdog and the crew. Just great! Anyway, the game. Lester was just awesome! He went eight scoreless, allowing just five scattered hits and zero free passes. His game WHIP was 0.625! In fact, on the rare occasion he found himself in a jam, he just elevated his game and pitched himself clear. The final time this happened was in the Texas 7th when, with one out, Texas suddenly had a man, Cruz, on third via a long triple that ricocheted off the right field wall away from Drew. Normally, JD's in perfect position for the carom, but hitting this particular part of the right field wall, the ball went away from him and by the time he picked it up and threw to 3d, the Texas batter was halfway to the bag. Not even close. What did Lester do? The next two batters were only able to manage soft grounders for the inning ending two outs. Lester continued this through the 8th, getting the three Texas batters in order, effectively finishing by retiring the last five batters he faced in a row, and fifteen of the last sixteen, going back to the Rangers 4th when their leadoff hitter got a single. All this is 101 degree August Texas heat.
Enter the Sox 9th, the Hose still up by a very slim one zip lead. Lowell leads off with a double that had to be placed exactly where it was for him with his hip to make it safely to second. The next two Sox hitters singled, driving in one run, after which Scutaro sacflies another run in, but ends up on base due to a fielding error in the Rangers outfield. While that was the scoring for the night, the fact that the Sox were able to get three more men to the plate before having to hold serve gave the pitching staff a bit more time to prep for the finish.
Atch came in and did a creditable job. He deserved better, but got the first Texas hitter. The next, Hamilton, who is having an MVP, batting title, possibly Triple Crown year drove a shot to center that Patterson, subbing for Jake (more on that later) chased vainly into the center field wall. It cleared the wall, Patterson didn't (but wasn't hurt) and it was 3-1. Guerrero, always a dangerous hitter through his entire career, and a definite HOFer once he hangs 'em up, copied last night's heroics, diving headfirst into first base to beat out the throw on a grounder to the left side of the infield. Tito figured even though Atch wasn't really getting lit up, it was time for a new pitcher. Enter Doubront. While he's facing his first batter, Vlad decides to steal second to be in scoring position. V-Mart had him by ten feet. The throw wasn't great--a bit off to the first base side, but with Vlad's relative lack of speed, Scutaro's excellent handling of it, he was able to tag Vlad as the latter tried to slide under the throw. Total game complexion change! Doubront, pressure gone, simply struck out the Texas pinch hitter. Game Over! What more can one say? Not much too say! Enjoy it on the Tivo!
Add to this, the Dustman had a good showing today in the first rehab game he played, so he may be back as early as next week.
Now for the bad news. Jake went back on the DL today due to his ribs. They didn't really get specific, or if they did, I missed it, but apparently they've not healed totally. I can't imagine how badly they were broken to have him going through this for so long. I mean he's basically missed the better part of 70% of the season--over four months! Speaking from experience (busted ribs on three different occasions) it never took four months to get back to a regular schedule. In fact, when I broke two ribs the third time, preparing for my Black Belt test, I successfully took the test two months later. HEEEYAH!

Bad Finish in Toronto: Peter

Well, not much to say about last nite's loss to the Jays. We had it in the bag with Lackey doing well and leading 5-2 entering the 9th. He gave up a homer to the Jays leadoff and Papelbon came on. Game over? Not so fast. Pap was anything but himself, blowing the save for the 6th time this year and taking the loss as the Jays picked up three from him.
On the good side, Papi got his 25th HR of the year, the seventh time as a Red Sox player he's had a 25 HR year. This ties him with Jim Rice for second all time on the team, and leaves him trailing the all time leader, Teddy Ballgame for the honor.

Bad Finish in Toronto:

A Hall of A Game!: Peter

Yes, Jenn, it really was another team victory, but you have to give Bill Hall special mention in this one. He went 3-5, including a pair of homers and drove in four ribbies. Good enough to seal the Jays' fate for the night. He also had support from JD and Beltre, each of whom added a shot, and Lowell, who collected three hits as well. Balance this with a masterful game by Bucky on the mound and you have the Sox 3d straight win and 4th of six. Bucky allowed only a single unearned run, gave up just five scattered hits and a pair of freebies over eight innings. Game WHIP of 0.875--not too shabby at all! With his 13 'W's', he leads the Sox staff for now. Lester will be going for a match his next time out. Buck has an outside shot at a twenty win season, and if Lester keeps up, he also has a very slim chance at one. JD's HR keeps him on pace for a shot at 20 for the year, and the pair of shots by Hall place him right in the discussion as well. Had Yoooukk not gotten hurt, the Sox would have had a good shot at five players with at least twenty dingers on the year, including two possible at 30. The latter figure is still a slim chance, but Beltre will have to be amazing in the HR category to do so. I'm assuming that Papi will reach that figure.
Hopefully, a sweep tomorrow. The Rays lost today, so the Sox cut that deficit to 3.5. Unfortunately, Mr. Hankie's Yankees came back from a 6-2 gap to win 7-6, so the Hose remain five astern of them. Stay tuned, kiddies. As I've said before, it's going to get very interesting before it's over.

Pedroia Back Soon!: Peter

Good news here! Latest reports on the Dustman's recovery from the broken foot is that he was running full speed without pain yesterday and is likely to start a rehab assignment this weekend. If all goes well, he could be back with the Sox by the following weekend.

The Team Keeps It Going: Peter

Jenn: You had to like the way almost everyone had a hand in tonight's win against the Jays. The Diceman started and, although he was looking really good until the 3d when a homer tied things at four, he hung in there to pass the torch to Dubront. The latter had the opportunity to preserve Dice's ninth 'W' of the year, but promptly blew the save and yet stopped the bleeding there. Result, he got Dice's 'W'. But only after Manny and then The Laser closed things out with an inning apiece of shutout ball, marred only by a lone single surrendered by Pap. Pap got the save, his 29th on the year.
Offensively, the Hose collected 11 hits, and more importantly, seven of those were for extra bases--five two baggers and a pair of roundtrippers. Papi and Lowrie each had a pair of doubles, and Jake, showing that he's finally found out where he left his lumber, went 2-4 and drove in a run. The homers were by Lowell and Drew. Lowell may be nearing the end, but he showed any doubters that he still knows how to turn on a ball, while Drew actually has an outside shot at another twenty homer year. e now needs just seven more in the remaining 48 games. That's one HR for every seven games--not unreasonable.
On the standings, the Rays won, so they maintain their four and a half game lead over the Sox, but the Yankees of Mr. Hankie lost to Texas, so the Hose are now within five of first.
Stay tuned, kiddies. This has the potential of a really interesting pennant race.

A Split--and Jake is BACK!: Peter

Well, after a pair of increasingly ugly losses, finished off by Sunday's 7-2 debacle victimizing JB, today's game was a refreshing change in a few ways.First, the Sox by winning gained a series split against Mr. Hankie's Yankees. Second, the pitching was masterful--can't describe it any other way. Lester went into the 7th, leading 2-0 and nailing a half dozen K's. Then Bard came on for an inning's worth, and although giving up Tex's 26th HR of the season, held the Yankees pretty much at bay. He was followed by The Laser, who pitched like the pap we've come to expect over the past three or four years. He went 1 1/3 innings, K'd the side in the 9th and slammed the door on any ideas the guys from the Bronx might have had about taking the third in a row from our Hose.
Now, as for Jake, his return to the lineup has bordered on painful to watch, at least as far as his offense is concerned. But today, he finally got a hit and then, just to remind everyone in attendance exactly why Tito refers to his base running as "breathtaking", immediately proceeded to steal second. But that was just the beginning. By the time the game was over and the Sox had the 'W' safely tucked away, Jake had stolen FOUR bases for the one game! That's not a typo. He just took a page from Forrest Gump's book, started running and kept running. Had the game gone on any longer, God only knows how many swipes he might have picked up on the day. To illustrate just how special a baserunner he is, JD also stole a base today. It was his third for the season. Jake took off and in one game exceeded JD's season total by one, and ow has twice as many as JD for the season--even though he's only played in something like ten or twelve games! Breathtaking, indeed!
Off to Toronto and let's hope he continues apace.

Getting Serious: Peter

Jenn: I don't know whether to cheer or cry! Here we go into probably the most important road trip of the season to date and just as some of the walking (if we're lucky) wounded come off the DL, they're almost immediately replaced by two others! V-Mart and Jake come back (although so far the latter hasn't even been a pale shadow of himself--now below the Mendoza Line after a returning O for Twelve) and we lose Yooooukk for the season and now have Oki on the DL for a strained hammy. I'm almost afraid to see who's next! It's as if those two jerkoffs who carjacked me two weeks ago have graduated to the Sox dugout, God forbid!
On the good side, tonight's opener against Mr. Hankie's Yankees in Gotham turned out pretty good for us. Don't know if you've had a chance to catch it on the Tivo yet, Jenn, what with Aidan's Nana visiting, but it was really refreshing. After Texeira and Papi traded shots early on to leave the Sox trailing by a run, 2-1, the Hose took advantage of an error by Cervelli and pushed across a trey in the 2d to go up 4-2. Bucky grabbed the opportunity and pitched well enough for the 'W'. So when A-Roid drove in a run to close within one three innings later, the Sox' newest rookie hot hitting outfielder, Kalish by name, responded with his first MLB homer to extend the lead to three, where it ended later on.
Bucky went into the 8th, picked up to close the inning by Bard's six pitches for the last two outs of the 8th and closed out by The Laser's no-hit 9th for the finish. Pap's 9th, by the way, wasn't as easy as it might have otherwise been. This because Jeter, an eventual Hall denizen, did his evil best to spoil things. With Pap already having sent the first two Stripers to the bench, the Yankees' captain worked Pap for a walk--after TWELVE pitches! Talk about nerve racking! But The Laser showed why he's the Sox closer. I ask you, Jenn, did he let it get to him? Did he come apart? Hell, no! He reared back and retired the next batter before anything serious could get going. Game Over! Enjoy the replay!Hopefully, it's the start of something good from now through October. Aidan will be pointing! Tell him it made Pops happy.

Dice-K & Beltre--A winning Combination!:Peter

After last night's abortion (9-1 loss compounded by THREE errors!), tonight was just what the doctor ordered! After allowing a solo early inning shot, the Diceman only allowed four more hits over eight innings, faced a max of four batters in any inning, struck out six against just a pair of walks, and had a game WHIP of 0.875! He definitely has returned to his 2008 form and just in time. It appears that his last outing was an aberration on his return from the DL, and he now is 8-3 on his abbreviated season. He could be key, along with JB and the rest of the staff in a run to the post season. As he acknowledged after the win tonight, the Sox have to play all of these like it's a desperation game. Offensively, Beltre took care of things, hitting his eighth Slam (first since 2006) and continuing his run through Cleveland pitching. JD provided a pair of insurance runs in the 8th, but they weren't needed once The Laser came in to quell a potential Tribe uprising in the 9th. He faced three batters, sandwiching a pair of K's around a free pass, and slammed the door on the Indians' plans.
This continuing return to form of the Hose mound staff is badly needed good news as the team learned today that Yooouuuk is now lost for the season due to necessary surgery to repair muscle damage in his thumb. It's like the hits just keep on coming! Get Jake and Lowell back, lose Yooouuuk. I'm almost afraid to look at a game for fear that I'll see another casualty. The Dustman still has pain running and may not be back until September, and Tek is also still gone for at least a few more weeks. Don't we have some kind of manufacturer warranty against these things happening?
Tomorrow a really tough ten game road trip starts in NY against Mr. Hankie's Yankees (four games) , followed by three apiece against the Jays and Rangers. Could make or break the rest of the season. Stay tuned kiddies for a real interesting ride!

Vintage Beckett: Peter

Well, missed blogging over last night's loss, but, quickly, it was a further example of Sox performance over the past few games: fall way behind early and then try to catch up and win. Sometimes you get the elevator and others the shaft. Last night, in spite of a four run rally over the last two innings, the Hose came up a run short. Also lost Yoooukk to the DL from tearing a muscle in his thumb. Fortunately, they remained 6.5 behind first, but now it's jointly the Rays and Mr. Hankie's Yankees there.
Tonight: different story. JB was on the mound and Lowell (remember him?) was on first. It was vintage JB. He went eight innings, allowing only three hits, one a homer, no freebies and had a game WHIP of 0.375 (not a misprint!)! Only reason he didn't get the complete game, he was one of the Sox leaders in a bench clearing rush to the field after the Tribe pitcher threw behind a Sox hitter for the second time in the game. Ejection! No matter--The Laser came in and it was three up and down--bing, bang, boom! Game over!
Now Lowell. Pressed into service fresh off the DL himself, he replaced Yoooukk and in his first AB took one over the Monster on the first pitch he saw--two zip, Sox. In the field he performed flawlessly. Welcome back, Mike!
Mr. Hankie's Yankees lost tonight to the Jays, so the Hose are now five and a half games astern of them and the same 6.5 behind the Rays, who didn't lose.

Nothing's Easy: Peter

Today's game is a classic example of how sometimes things go for the Sox even when they win, or, as Yogi used to say, Jenn, "It ain't over til it's over." Here we are cruising into the 9th, ahead three zip, behind Bucky who's only allowed a pair of hits to the Bengals. Then, comes the 9th. First two guys get on via an infield hit and a walk--not exactly a ringing statement of their offense, but they are on base with no outs. Call to the pen and in comes The Laser--who immediately gives up a two run double, followed by a K and a run scoring single. Blown save and it's tied! Just when a win would be great because Mr. Hankie's Yankees got whitewashed by three by the Rays. Anyway, at that point Pap regains his mastery and closes things out with a DP grounder.
Bottom of the 9th, starting with Scut's hit, the Sox quickly show they're not going to let this one get away. They load the bases with no outs and the game winner scores on an error by the final Tigers pitcher. Sox now are two straight, five of six and seven of ten.
Tomorrow the Tribe visits the Fens.